London (Parliament News) – The London Marathon organizers urge protestors not to disrupt the event amidst Middle East tensions, emphasizing its charitable focus. Security measures are heightened, and tributes are planned for late winners.
London Marathon organisers have insisted potential protesters not to let the heightened tensions in the Middle East disrupt Sunday’s race, which the event’s manager, Hugh Brasher, stated was “a force for good” throughout society.
According to the Guardian, Brasher confirmed multiple security steps would be in place this weekend, but said he expected the focus would be on the race’s celebration of humanity.
Who will benefit from the funds raised?
He also indicated that among the 50,000 expected finishers, there would be runners raising funds for both Palestinians and Israelis who had been impacted by the conflict. Organisers believe the occasion will break the single-day world record for charity fundraising, which stands at £66.4m from the 2019 race.
“We are always taking mitigations in case people try to disrupt the London Marathon,” stated Brashear. “But we are a force for good in society. Charity runners will raise more than £66.4m on Sunday.
“People are running for Palestinians that have been affected. There are people running for Israelis that have been affected. There are so many people running for so many different causes. What we’ve always tried to do is bring people together.”
How has the event faced protests previously?
The race has been intimidated by protesters before, including supporters of the Tamil Tigers in 2009 and Just Stop Oil in 2022. However, Brasher conveyed that race would bring people together in troubled times.
“Coexistence and togetherness is what the London Marathon is all about,” he added. “And we hope that message will resonate with anyone who thinks it is a good thing to disrupt the race because it isn’t.”
How will the late winner be honoured?
Brasher also affirmed that a 30-second round of applause would take place for the winner of last year’s race, Kelvin Kiptum, the world record holder who passed away in a car accident in February.
“We will be having a tribute to Kelvin on the start line to celebrate his achievements in his short 24 years,” said Brasher, who said that runners would also be shown a video of Kiptum’s achievements before the mass participation race at 10 am.
Who are the celebrity race starters?
The elite men’s race will be initiated by Kelly Holmes, the 2004 Olympic 800m and 1500m champion while Jasmin Paris, who recently became the first woman to finish the arduous Barkley Marathons ultrarunning event, will obtain the elite women’s race underway. Brasher also announced that EastEnders would be filming at the race for the first time, with a storyline woven into Monday’s episode.